Crews responded to a fire call on N. Third Street in Columbia shortly after 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Officials say a three story home caught fire but because of an electrical problem in a second floor air condition unit.

John Wakefield lives across the street. He was on his front porch when he noticed smoke and flames. “I was on the porch smoking a cigarette and drinking coffee, and I looked over and saw the smoke coming out,” said Wakefield, “I saw the fire where the air condition unit was, and I told my daughter to call 911.”

One person was inside the rental property that has six units. That person and a few dogs made it outside safely.